A large family‑run and innovative farm in the North of Ireland is seeking a General Manager to take full responsibility for the daily management of the farm’s large herd of cows and its high‑performing, robotic and fully housed environment, with a clear focus on scaling these operations to become one of the best in the sector. The General Manager does not need to come from a farming or agricultural background; however, the right person must have excellent leadership, management, adaptability, ambition, vision, and be able to be hands‑on where necessary. Role benefits include accommodation, a company vehicle, and a performance‑related bonus.
Applications from ex‑military personnel are strongly encouraged
Key Responsibilities:
* Oversee all aspects of managing a large herd of cows and its operations, with a strategic focus on scaling up these operations
* Drive productivity and efficiency in all herd‑related operations
* Lead herd planning initiatives to optimise the farm throughout the year
* Organise and oversee in‑house services that contribute to optimal herd health and fertility
* Recruit, train, and manage a growing team, fostering a culture of excellence, responsibility and continuous improvement
* Set performance standards and review team development, ensuring the right structures are in place to support expansion and innovation
* Be familiar with Lean and passionate towards a Continuous Improvement mindset for yourself and team development
* Lead by example, championing best practices in animal care, hygiene, and safety
* Monitor herd health, liaising closely with vets, nutritionists, and external advisors to ensure top‑tier care
* Ensure full compliance with Irish and EU regulations, maintaining strict biosecurity, hygiene, and welfare standards
* Keep accurate and timely records to meet audit requirements, including medicine usage, treatments, and welfare checks
* Maintain and oversee the efficient operation of robotic milking systems and related infrastructure, with hands‑on problem‑solving as needed
* Monitor digital herd management systems to track performance, health, and productivity KPIs
* Ensure infrastructure is well‑maintained and scalable to support future growth plans
* Take full financial responsibility for the dairy enterprise
* Report regularly to senior management, providing detailed operational and financial performance updates
* Evaluate cost‑effectiveness and identify opportunities for improved efficiencies or returns on investment
Knowledge, skills and qualifications:
Essential:
* Proven experience successfully managing teams and operations
* Strong leadership, motivational, and staff development skills
* High proficiency in interpreting data and performance metrics to inform decision‑making
* Is ambitious, adaptable, and can have a hands‑on approach
* Strong organisational and problem‑solving skills, with a forward‑thinking, proactive approach
* Full, clean driving licence
Desirable:
* Qualifications or experience in Agriculture, Animal Science, or a related field
* Mechanical aptitude for robotic system troubleshooting and preventive maintenance
* Understanding of fertility management, animal health, and welfare in a high‑output, non‑seasonal system
Salary:
£45,000 to £60,000 DOE
Benefits:
Vehicle, accommodation, performance‑related bonus, professional development opportunities
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